We are so excited to be able to share with you that Riya Bharathram who is a Year 5 pupil at Hollybrook Junior School has gained the title of Children’s Mayor of Southampton.  Riya is the second Children’s Mayor of Southampton and it is a very prestigious role and huge achievement.  The application process was very thorough, beginning back in November time of 2022 when Year 5 were invited to complete an application form if they wanted to apply for the position. All schools in Southampton were invited to put forward one Year 5 application and Riya’s was chosen from Hollybrook.  Her application then went through a very thorough shortlisting process with the council, secondary school pupils, the outgoing children’s Mayor and the Lord Mayor finally choosing Riya as the winner.

On Wednesday, Riya went to the Guildhall in Southampton to be inaugurated as the new Children’s Mayor in a Mayor Making ceremony in front of an audience of over 200 people.  Riya was presented with the robes during the ceremony. Riya will now spend the year taking part in a number of events across the city after school, during holidays and at the weekends where she may have to make a speech or may just be required to attend.

I am sure you will join us in congratulating Riya and wishing her the best in her role as Children’s Mayor of Southampton.